Why Should I Care?
Ryan’s Out & Perry’s In
Huntsman’s a Republican?
Is Gingrich In? I can’t remember
Is Palin in? Maybe September
Romney, yes, I’m sure he’s running
And Bachmann for his spot she’s gunning
Paul is raising cash like crazy
Herman Cain was hot now hazy
McCotter “Why Not?”; I say “Why?”
Santorum? Well… he’s a nice guy
Others that I failed to mention?
Sorry, I don’t pay attention
I’m sure on Ricochet that’s rare
But simply put I just don’t care
My dear Ricofriends, I live in Pennsylvania. By the time I vote next April the Republican herd will be culled and my preferences will likely be irrelevant. I find it difficult to generate any more than a fleeting wisp of interest in the daily horse race and even then I feel my wisp to have been a waste of good mental energy.
So tell me, Why should I care?
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Jul '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
You think you have it bad? My state will definitely not be in play next November, but does that mean I shouldn't take an interest in the election?
We're lucky to have a forum to test ideas, refine arguments, etc. It's an exercise in participation and, in its own way, builds a community. That's inherently valuable. If it doesn't interest you, you're free to enjoy other pursuits. 99.999% of the population does. But if engaging in active discussion about the future of the country is appealing, well, caring is a good way to start.
Great poem by the way ... and you don't fool me for a minute that you don't care. Someone who was really apathetic wouldn't take the time to write something like that!
Mar '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
Me thinks tho protests too much,
from one state below, same issues
Dec '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
The change from winner takes all state delegates is one reason you might care. It's possible our nominee won't be picked until the convention now.
Aug '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
Take it from a Fred Thompson contributor, at least wait to contribute. And then give money to whoever is running against the democrats.
Jun '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
It gives us all something to talk about and allows us to dream of the day that someone other than Obama is president (any of the people named in your poem would be an infinite improvement, and I include Ron Paul in that comment). [Wait--can't stand Huntsman, so exclude him from the prior comment].
Oct '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
Great poem! You’re right about the “daily horse race.” That part of this election truly is a waste of time. The daily nonsense about who’s up, who’s down . . . so many non-issues get magnified out of all proportion to reality simply because the air time exists and has to be filled with something. What remains interesting, however, is what big ideas (if any) will emerge, gain traction, influence voters, change hearts and minds. It doesn’t happen as often as it should/I would like. But the 2012 debt debate has the potential of realigning voters for a generation. If a majority does not emerge which opposes endless deficit spending (which is precisely what Obama stands for) then the American experiment will eventually (2 generations max) collapse—and with it the hope for the triumph of Western (small-l) liberal values. (In short, read Mark Steyn's new book After America to have a clear reason for why you need to stay engaged.)
Sep '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
You think you've got it tough; I'm Canadian. I can't have any influence in the race and I've had Obamacare for my entire 47 years of life. I'd say "gimme a break" but the waitline in Canada is interminable.
Jun '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
Cats are covered in Canada?
Dec '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
Pseudo - are you a Canadian Maine Coon Cat?
Apr '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
A fella asked his pal, "What's worse in this country, ignorance or apathy? His buddy snapped, "I don't know and I don't care!"
Actually, I agree with Cobalt Blue...if you didn't really care, I doubt you would have asked. But, I really appreciate your asking and starting this thread. It speaks to what, I think, many of us find so very frustrating about the process nowadays.
"Daily horse race"? Daily...really...is it necessary daily (if not hourly)? The sheer volume of "conversation" and "opinion" is so overwhelming as to constitute white noise and dulls the senses.
I think, IMHO, that more of the electorate would really connect and tune-in if the news about candidates and positions were a little less-loud and a whole lot less-often. Makes me wonder if the overabundance is a calculated media attempt to turn off the voters prior to the primaries. Just sayin'!
Sep '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
tabula rasa
Cats are covered in Canada? · Aug 25 at 4:50pm
In the fall, with leaves.
Mar '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
I suppose I care in the sense that I hope for a great outcome. But I would liken the current speculation to checking the weather forecast 10 days before the start of your beach vacation. Sure you are extracting information but the information you are extracting is unlikely to be accurate. And even if it is accurate, the weather will be the same whether you checked it or not. So why bother?
Aug '10
Re: Why Should I Care?
Like watching a slow motion train wreck,isn't it ? I just saw Romney and Christie shoot through an intersection in opposite directions. Fracking unbelievable.
Apr '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
Bravo on the poem, Casey. Loved it (love the illustration too!). And I'm sympathetic to your point, but I find that I just can't stay away from the conversation.
Re: Why Should I Care?
Because the outcome affects billions of human beings. And you have the rare luxury, among all the human beings who have ever lived, to participate in a democracy where you have some effect on that outcome, however small.
Mar '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
I'm not certain that speculating whether or not Sarah Palin on a motorbike means she's running for President constitutes participation. In fact, it feels like a lazy substitute for participation.
Re: Why Should I Care?
Casey
I'm not certain that speculating whether or not Sarah Palin on a motorbike means she's running for President constitutes participation. In fact, it feels like a lazy substitute for participation. · Aug 26 at 5:59am
I fully agree. But is that the question you asked?
Mar '11
Re: Why Should I Care?
Claire Berlinski, Ed.
Casey
I'm not certain that speculating whether or not Sarah Palin on a motorbike means she's running for President constitutes participation. In fact, it feels like a lazy substitute for participation. · Aug 26 at 5:59am
I fully agree. But is that the question you asked? · Aug 26 at 6:18am
In part... If I do not vote until April 24 then everything that happens prior to say, April 15, is "Sarah Palin on a motorbike" for me. Is it not?
What good would it have done me to examine Tim Pawlenty only to have him drop out 9 months before I vote?
Re: Why Should I Care?
Are you a sports fan? While I enjoy going out to a baseball or hockey game every once in a while, I couldn't care less about some team or player's record/stats/prospects for the season. No one can persuade me that it matters. It's all a big bore, as far as I'm concerned. Nevertheless, some people really love following sports. To each his own, right?
Same thing goes for what you think of as horse race politics, I guess The nice thing about Ricochet though, is that you can always find plenty of folks who are willing to delve into the bigger issues and ideas with you, if that's what you prefer.
Re: Why Should I Care?
P.S. I love your poem.